Grade Substitution Procedure Spring 2020

As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the University must remain fluid in the response to this ever-changing environment. That includes the response to our students in their academic endeavors and mitigating the impact on their educational goals. All spring semester courses that were taught face to face at Angelo State University were moved to an online format beginning March 23, 2020. Angelo State University extended spring break an additional week in order to provide faculty and staff time to prepare for a new on-line learning environment. In response to an order from the Governor of Texas, students who could, were asked to vacate the campus. Through no fault of their own, faculty and students were forced into an abrupt change in the delivery of many of their courses. Angelo State University recognizes the stress students may feel and the changes in their daily schedules that can affect their academic performance. Therefore, the University has taken a number of steps to support our students and limit the impact on their lives.

The deadline to drop a course with no academic penalty was moved from March 15 to April 24. This gave students who could not continue in an online environment the chance to receive a grade of W which does not count for or against their grade point average or against the six drop rule.

ASU refunded dorm and meal plan contracts on a prorated basis to those students who moved out of the dorm.

The Computer lab in the MCS and in each residence hall remained opened.

Wifi access remained available inside and outside of buildings.

Angelo State was one of the first universities to apply for and receive the federal CARES act to provide financial support to any student who is eligible to complete the FAFSA and who has been financially impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Students were notified of the award on April 21, 2020 and the application became available on April 23, 2020.

The Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, along with the Deans and the President of Faculty Senate have approved a process by which a student who can demonstrate a negative impact on their academic performance will have an opportunity to submit an application to have a grade in most undergraduate courses substituted by a designation of credit (CR) or no credit (NC).

To be eligible for a designation of CR, the student must have a grade of “C” or better in the course. Grades of “D” or “F” will be eligible for the NC designation. Courses designated CR or NC will not be calculated into a student’s grade point average and only courses designated CR will count as completed. The application form will be available on the Angelo State COVID-19 web page and the ASU Registrar’s website. Grades will be posted by 5:00 p.m., May 11, 2020 and the application for graduating seniors must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., May 13, 2020. For non-graduating students, the deadline will be 5:00 p.m. June 1, 2020.

Courses that were taught as online courses from the beginning of the semester and courses taught in their entirety in the first eight weeks of the semester are not eligible for this process. Graduate courses that transitioned from face to face to online following spring break will be considered on a case by case basis by the Dean of the Graduate School and Research in consultation with the department and its faculty.

A committee will review applications beginning on May 14, 2020 for graduating seniors to ensure the ability of the registrar to certify graduation in a timely manner. The committee is charged with reviewing applications to ascertain if they are in the best interest of the student. Some courses in some programs are not eligible for grade substitution and the committee is aware of those programs and courses. Students will be notified by email once the committee has reviewed the application.

This process will be in place for the 2020 Spring semester only. Once a student has accepted a grade substitution, the decision is final and cannot be reversed.Angelo State University cannot guarantee that a professional/graduate school program will accept grades of CR/NC, nor can ASU guarantee that professional programs, licensure programs, or accrediting bodies will recognize and accept CR/NC on a student’s future application as course credit, evidence of meeting prerequisites, or meeting an eligibility requirement. Students who change majors in future terms might also be required to retake courses with grades of CR. By submitting this request, you acknowledge that you understand and have considered these issues.

Angelo State University is committed to the academic and personal well-being of our students. We believe this process is the best way to protect students academically and maintain the academic integrity of the University.